We’re in the middle of boxes – again. It wasn’t too long ago (actually less than a year), that I wrote a blog about being done with boxes. Last October we made the move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina and I was ready to be done with boxes. But God had other plans, and we have just made the move back to Pennsylvania, and are, once again, surrounded by boxes.
Our new home is a wonderful old farmhouse located among the hills and cornfields of central PA. The location is wonderful, but the house has its challenges – small bedrooms with no closets, for example. However, we are slowly finding just the right place for pieces of furniture (sometimes after my patient husband has moved them a couple of times), and are beginning to add touches that transform it from a house into our home.
As is often the case, God has used my present circumstances (boxes included) to teach me a spiritual lesson. I recently read these words from Hebrews in my quiet time: “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are His house.” (Hebrews 3:6) I am God’s house, and it’s God’s plan for His Son to move in and make it His home. It may mean moving some things (like my priorities) around until they’re in just the right place. It will definitely include His decorating touch – filling it with the things that bring Him pleasure like humility, peace, love, and patience. He may need to get rid of some of my things to make room for His things. And He definitely still has boxes to unpack – things that still need to be added to make it a place where He can be completely at home.
I’d like to be done with boxes, but I’m so thankful that God isn’t – that He continues to unpack the things that I need to make my heart His home.
Esther,
Inspiration for the heart… your blog BOXES AGAIN!
I appreciate hearing the continuing journey of your heart, your home, and taking the time to share it with us.
All the best to you and Pete as you settle into your country home!
Loving regards,
John
p.s. That is a million dollar view!
Thanks, John. There are views like that from every window. It makes it a little easier to leave Delta. 🙂
I hate unpacking boxes! I still have some packed from the first time I moved from PA to NC in 1997. ha ha!
I pray that your home is one of great love, laughter & joy !
🙂 — April
Thank you, Esther. September 12, our home caught fire from a lightening strike (the night before). We have a structure with mainly the first floor gutted with severe smoke damage to the 2nd floor. While our home is being rebuilt we are in a tiny apartment across the street. Our living room and kitchen furniture are my mother-in-law’s patio furniture. I can identify with “boxes” as we are surrounded with the bags of laundered clothing and my dishes packed in boxes. Through all of this, I have felt the peace that only God can provide. This world is not my home. How Patrick and I live in our circumstances is a witness. God is in control of ALL things and we are praising Him in ALL things. God is good….All the time! God bless!
—- Janice
God loves to put us where He can be noticed – even in a temporary home among boxes. So glad for the peace in spite of your circumstances.